Earth Day 2024

This week we mark International Earth Day, the annual ‘world day’ on which a call to environmental action echoes across the globe. This day aims to drive environmental awareness, spur governments into making meaningful future-forward change and encourage citizens worldwide to step up and play their part in fighting climate change, protecting nature and achieving global sustainability.

Today is International Earth Day.

Celebrated annually on 22nd April, since its inauguration in 1970, this global environmental movement has brought attention to a multitude of critical challenges and crises. These issues encompass everything from public health and safety to economic parity and the preservation of species populations.

This year the focus is Planet vs Plastics

You’d think it’d be a no brainer. Planet 1 - Plastics 0. And yet, despite our seemingly unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and reducing sky-high levels of pollution, our ongoing reliance on plastic continues to hinder our progress in achieving sustainability, both here in Ireland and further afield.

Plastics, particularly micro-plastics, have infiltrated every aspect of our daily lives, from personal routines to business operations. The pervasiveness of these tiny particles raises concerning implications for both our health and the environment.

Consider the products we use daily—lotions and creams. Not only do we ingest micro-plastics unknowingly, but we also apply them directly to our skin, unaware of their potential consequences.

Studies have extensively documented the presence of micro-plastics in various food items, including salt, rice, and packaged fruits and vegetables. What's more alarming is their prevalence in cosmetic products, with research revealing that over 90% of these items contain micro-plastics. From deodorants and shampoos to anti-aging creams and moisturisers, these particles lurk in our everyday essentials, even in the liquid soaps and hand lotions found in corporate and retail settings. As we delve deeper into understanding the impact of micro-plastics, it becomes evident that urgent action is needed to address this growing concern and safeguard both human health and the environment.

Since its invention, plastic has become integral to our lives, so much so, that every year a staggering 8 million tonnes of it ends up in our seas and oceans alone

As Earth Day approaches, the call to action is clear: it's time to choose between our planet and the pervasive presence of plastics. But it's not just about the obvious plastic items we use daily; it's about the unseen pollutants that threaten both human and wildlife health worldwide.

Often, these plastics fly under the radar, invisible but insidious in their effects. By shining a spotlight on them this Earth Day, we're reminded of their profound impact on our well-being and that of future generations.

The message is simple yet urgent: it's time to break free from plastic's grip. Let's take decisive action to rid our lives, both personal and professional, of this harmful material and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

The aim of Earth Day is to reflect and raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability practices to protect the planet and to take positive steps towards preserving and restoring the Earth's natural resources for future generations.

Every day, across the globe, billions of individuals, both human and wildlife alike, interact with plastic in various forms. Yet, amidst this pervasive presence, there lies an opportunity for profound change. Our daily routines, from work to meal preparation, have inadvertently contributed to a cycle of plastic pollution. However, as stewards of this planet, we hold the power to shift the course towards a brighter future.

Although the consequences of plastic pollution may seem daunting, they serve as a catalyst for action and transformation. By choosing to prioritise the well-being of our planet over convenience, we can break free from the cycle of disposability. In the face of climate challenges and biodiversity loss, our collective efforts can forge a new direction—one rooted in sustainability and resilience. Together, let's embrace this pivotal moment and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant Earth.

Tips on how to limit plastic
usage in your personal life:

• Bring Your Own Reusable Bags: Carry reusable bags when shopping for groceries or other items to avoid single-use plastic bags.
• Choose Reusable Containers: Opt for reusable containers, such as glass jars or stainless steel lunch boxes, for storing food and beverages instead of single-use plastic containers.
• Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Refuse single-use plastics like straws, utensils, and water bottles. Instead, carry a reusable water bottle and utensils with you.
• Shop in Bulk: Buy items like grains, nuts, and spices in bulk using reusable containers or bags to reduce packaging waste.
• Use Cloth Napkins and Towels: Swap disposable paper towels and napkins for cloth alternatives to minimize waste.
• Avoid Plastic Packaging: Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging whenever possible. Look for alternatives packaged in paper, glass, or cardboard.
• Opt for Sustainable Alternatives: Explore eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products, such as bamboo toothbrushes, stainless steel straws, and beeswax wraps.
• Support Plastic-Free Initiatives: Patronise businesses that prioritise sustainability and offer plastic-free options.
• Properly Recycle: Ensure proper recycling of any unavoidable plastic waste according to local recycling guidelines.
• Educate and Advocate: Share your knowledge and passion for reducing plastic consumption with friends, family, and communities. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote plastic reduction and sustainability.

Tips on how to limit the plastic
usage in your organisation

• Implement a Plastic-Free Policy: Establish clear guidelines and policies that discourage the use of single-use plastics in the office. Encourage employees to prioritise reusable alternatives whenever possible.
• Provide Reusable Utensils and Tableware: Replace disposable plastic utensils, plates, and cups with durable, reusable alternatives made from materials like stainless steel, glass, or bamboo.
• Offer Filtered Water Stations Install filtered water stations or water coolers in the office to provide employees with access to clean drinking water. Encourage the use of reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles.
• Promote Paperless Practices: Encourage digital communication and document management to reduce the need for paper products, which often come packaged in plastic. Use electronic signatures and online collaboration tools to minimise paper waste.
• Use Refillable Office Supplies: Opt for refillable pens, markers, and printer cartridges to reduce plastic waste from disposable office supplies. Purchase items in bulk to minimise packaging waste.
• Provide Recycling Stations: Make it easy for employees to recycle by providing clearly labeled recycling bins for paper, plastic, glass, and other recyclable materials. Educate staff about proper recycling practices to maximise effectiveness.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Select cleaning products that come in bulk containers or refillable packaging, and prioritise eco-friendly options that minimise plastic waste and harmful chemicals.
• Encourage BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug): Encourage employees to bring their own reusable coffee mugs or travel cups to reduce the need for disposable cups and lids.
• Support Sustainable Suppliers: Partner with suppliers and vendors who prioritise sustainability and offer plastic-free packaging options for office supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Educate and Engage Employees: Raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and the benefits of reducing plastic use in the workplace. Encourage employees to participate in plastic reduction initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback and suggestions.

Planet vs Plastics?
Choose Planet, Sustain Life

At a local level, organisations can implement industry-led frameworks such as ISO 14001, 14064 and 45001 to achieve those operational best practices that can help achieve a healthier, safer and ultimately, more sustainable business model.

By adopting the principles of ISO EH&S standards and aligning with their process-based requirements, organisations can deliver on ESG obligations whilst simultaneously demonstrating commitment to the health & wellbeing of their workforce along with a desire to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

An ISO Environmental, Health & Safety Management System provides clear and unequivocal guidance on sustainable and welfare best practices, helping organisations to achieve both OH&S and Ergonomic excellence and a sustainable business model that drives optimal resource performance, waste management and employee wellbeing.

Those businesses which effect change by leveraging ISO frameworks are in essence, working in alignment with the Earth Day movement to:

“make a meaningful impact and
create a more sustainable world.”

The leaders of the Earth Day movement hope that with our support, they can continue to drive creativity, innovation and vision across peoples at all levels of influence, from teachers to business entrepreneurs, tech innovators to political leaders in the hope that together we can achieve agreed climate targets, mitigate the climate crisis, eradicate pollution and the poverty, poor health and inequality it brings in its wake. If you want to learn more about Earth Day and the challenges facing and opportunities from a Zero-Carbon future.

To discuss how CG Business Consulting can help your organisation to improve its Environmental, Health and Safety standards and achieve EH&S best practices, call us on 01 620 4121 to talk to one our our team of experts in the field.

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